Sharks Strengthen for URC Tour with Etzebeth and Springbok Stars

The Sharks head into a decisive United Rugby Championship tour with a major boost — the return of powerhouse Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth. After months on the sidelines, his comeback is set to inject muscle and leadership into the squad for upcoming clashes against Edinburgh and Ulster.

Etzebeth isn’t the only familiar face back in the lineup. Fellow Boks Grant Williams, Lukhanyo Am and Aphelele Fassi have also recovered from injuries and are ready to rejoin the team as the race for playoff positions heats up.

Sharks strengthened by Bok reinforcements

With top-eight spots on the line, the Sharks will welcome Etzebeth’s steel in the engine room. His leadership has been sorely missed, and the forward pack often lacked dominance in his absence. His return comes after a cautious recovery from concussion symptoms, followed by a hamstring strain picked up at the Springbok alignment camp.

Etzebeth’s presence not only lifts the pack but also gives the team a psychological edge as they push for a higher table finish.

Fassi, back from a lengthy ankle injury suffered against the Stormers, adds flair to the backline. The electric fullback was in top form before his layoff and will be eager to reignite his spark. Williams and Am’s return ensures the Sharks boast a backline capable of stretching any defence.

High stakes on tour for playoff ambitions

The Sharks currently sit in fourth place, five points behind the Bulls. A strong showing on tour could see them snatch third place — a strategic move that could ease their path to the URC semifinals.

If they remain fourth, a likely semifinal against top-of-the-log Leinster looms should they progress. Third place, however, could see them travel to Glasgow to face the Warriors, assuming both sides win their quarterfinals.

After facing Edinburgh this weekend, the Sharks will travel to Belfast to take on Ulster. They’ll finish the regular season at home against the Ospreys and Scarlets — both winnable games that could consolidate their top-four ambitions.

Meanwhile, the Bulls face a tough two-week stretch, visiting Munster and then Glasgow. Their results will heavily influence how the playoff picture unfolds for both teams.

Sharks squad for URC tour

Forwards: Bongi Mbonambi, Eben Etzebeth, Emile van Heerden, Ethan Bester, Fezokuhle Mbatha, Hanro Jacobs, James Venter, Jason Jenkins, Manu Tshituka, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Ox Nche, Phepsi Buthelezi, Ruan Dreyer, Siya Kolisi, Vincent Koch, Vincent Tshituka
Backs: André Esterhuizen, Aphelele Fassi, Bradley Davids, Ethan Hooker, Grant Williams, Jaden Hendrikse, Jordan Hendrikse, Jurenzo Julius, Lukhanyo Am, Makazole Mapimpi, Siya Masuku, Yaw Penxe

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Sourced: Sowetan Live

Picture: SABC Sport